Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The long-awaited biopic "Michael," chronicling the life of global music icon Michael Jackson, finally premiered in Berlin on April 10, 2026.
The film is scheduled for a wide release in the United States on April 24, 2026, including in IMAX, bringing the story of the King of Pop to the big screen.
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Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson as the adult Michael, the production was expected to present a comprehensive portrait of the legendary figure.
However, these expectations appear to have been unfulfilled, as "Michael" has received generally negative reviews from critics.
Since its debut, the film has received low scores on leading review aggregator sites, sparking debate about its representation and depth.
With a production budget ranging from $155 to $200 million, "Michael" seeks to chronicle the singer's life, from his involvement with the Jackson 5 in the 1960s to the peak of his solo career.
The film concludes in 1988 with the successful "Bad" tour, capturing the triumphs, tragedies, personal struggles, and creative genius of Michael Jackson.
The King of Pop's Life in "Michael"
"Michael" chronologically follows Michael Jackson from his turbulent childhood to his rise to global phenomenon which begins with his involvement with the Jackson 5 in the 1960s.
The film then explores his transition to solo artistdom, a period that spawned legendary albums and established him as the "King of Pop."
This includes his extraordinary triumphs in the music industry, the personal tragedies he endured, and the internal struggles often hidden from the public eye.
Furthermore, the film seeks to highlight Michael Jackson's undeniable creative genius, which forever changed the landscape of pop music.
In the film, Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson's nephew, plays the adult Michael, while Juliano Krue Valdi portrays Michael Jackson as a child.
Critics' Reviews So Far
Since its premiere, "Michael" has received a mixed response from critics, with a debut score of 26% on Rotten Tomatoes that has since risen slightly to 34% based on dozens of reviews as of April 21, 2026.
The general consensus highlights several fundamental flaws in the presentation of the story and characters.
Many critics have labeled the film "bad," "frustratingly shallow," and "bland," indicating a lack of emotional and narrative depth.
Some reviews have also called it a "sanitized popcorn movie" and "disconnected from reality."
Furthermore, the film has been described as a "disturbingly unproblematic biopic," a "filmed playlist in search of a story," and a "slick exercise in brand management."
Critics felt that the film failed to create a cohesive "story."
One of the most prominent criticisms of the film "Michael" is its tendency to censor and avoid the darker and more controversial aspects of Michael Jackson's life.
The film deliberately ends the story before the 1993 child molestation allegations surface, a decision many critics saw as an attempt to sanitize the star's image.
Critics felt that Michael was portrayed as a "childlike saint" and a "victim" with no complex self-interest.
Limited Praise and Production Details
While reviews were largely negative, there were some aspects of "Michael" that received limited praise from critics.
One of the most frequently praised points was Jaafar Jackson's performance as his uncle, Michael Jackson.
His ability to capture the essence and signature moves of the King of Pop was considered one of the film's key strengths, providing a bit of a silver lining amidst widespread criticism.
Considering its subject is one of the greatest musicians of all time, the use and presentation of Michael Jackson's music in the film was considered successful.
The film was directed by Antoine Fuqua, a director known for his work in action and drama films.